City of Ink spared closure: City of Atlanta to help shop meet zoning rules
Credit: Jenni Girtman
City of Ink, the Black-owned tattoo shop and art gallery founded by artist Miya Bailey, will remain open after the City of Atlanta canceled a scheduled zoning hearing and agreed to work with the business to bring it into compliance.
The decision follows an overwhelming amount of public support for City of Ink following recent social media posts from Bailey. He shared that the tattoo shop was at risk of closure because of an ordinance banning new tattoo shops in Castleberry Hill — a ban that came in 2008, a year after the shop opened.
Atlanta zoning laws allow businesses that existed before a zoning change to continue operating under a “grandfather” clause, which permits continued use if the business was legally established before new restrictions took effect.
Since City of Ink opened in 2007, it qualifies as a legal nonconforming use and will be allowed to remain open.
“The mayor learned of the matter toward the end of last week and spoke to Miya over the weekend and this week,” a spokesperson for mayor’s office said. “This is obviously a complicated property matter — predating this administration — that we are working toward the best and swiftest solution for all involved.”
Bailey announced via Instagram that the City Hall hearing regarding City of Ink’s zoning violation had been canceled, and that the City of Atlanta had agreed to work with him, saying that the business was no longer in violation. He’s also reopened tattoo bookings.
Credit: Jenni Girtman
“The people, they’ve spoken,” Bailey said on the massive support gained from the ordinance issues. “We were there before the ordinance and I suppose after they saw the paperwork, and did some research, they saw we were there.”
A wave of support came into City of Ink’s victory, with many in the art scene and beyond rallying behind the shop. Artists and longtime supporters expressed support for Bailey.
“He’s been a supporter, a leader and a friend for years. We’re proud that Atlanta showed up for him the way he’s always shown up for us,” read an Instagram post from the creators of the visual art event ArtfulATL. “We’re with you Miya, always.”
Credit: Jenni Girtman
Jason Dozier, a Councilman for District 4, attested to City of Ink’s place in the community, and vowed to support the tattoo shop.
“I stand with supporters and Miya Bailey and the community to make sure we can preserve the community and that institution in our neighborhoods,” Councilman Dozier said. “I’m glad to see a path forward to allow City of Ink to operate and I look forward to learning how I can support their work.”
About the Author
Zaire Breedlove is an intern for AJC's UATL and a journalism major at Kennesaw State University. In the past, he's written and managed The Sentinel, and served as a Reporter for Fresh Take Georgia at the Center for Sustainable Journalism, focusing on Immigration and statewide political coverage.
